Indie Authors Tell All

What if the true measure of a successful book launch isn’t becoming an Amazon bestseller—but building lasting credibility, meaningful connections, and a revenue-generating business? In this episode, Judy welcomes Robbie Samuels, award-winning author, book launch expert, and founder of Biz Book Pub Hub, for an insightful conversation about turning a book into a powerful business development tool. R...

In this episode, Mike sits down with prolific nonfiction author and entrepreneur Carol Abrahamson to uncover the secrets behind her massive success. With 42 nonfiction books under her belt, Carol shares how she transitioned from a Wall Street background to building a multi-million dollar consulting business using books as powerful lead magnets. We dive deep into the strategy of "series writing"—ho...

In this episode, Becky sits down with Dr. John Kirk Boyd, author of International Bill of Rights: Humanity's Agreement to Live Together. Drawing from his extensive legal career—including appearances before the U.S. Supreme Court—Dr. Boyd discusses his mission to transform the Universal Declaration of Human Rights into an enforceable legal framework. We dive into the profound connection between wri...

In this episode, Judy welcomes author Julie Snider to discuss her journey from a 30-year career in teaching to becoming a published independent author. Julie shares the "real world" side of the writing process, including the challenges of developmental editing, the importance of organization using tools like Scrivener, and the exhilarating (yet daunting) transition from writing to marketing. We di...

In this episode, Mike sits down with the multi-talented Dr. Sharifah Akilah Trinay Parr, a PhD, author, consultant, and the founder of both Revision Publishing and RP Books. Akilah shares her journey from being a high school English teacher to becoming an "accidental entrepreneur" in the publishing world. We dive deep into the nuances of hybrid publishing, the importance of owning your intellectua...

In this episode, Becky welcomes authors Nita Winter and Rob Badger to discuss their extraordinary journey of self-publishing. What began as a 30-year passion for photographing California's wildflowers evolved into a prestigious award-winning coffee table book: Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change. Nita and Rob share the raw, real-world details of the independent publishi...

In this episode, Mike sits down with the incredibly prolific Gini Graham Scott to explore how she manages a massive, multi-disciplinary career spanning books, films, games, and music. Gini shares her unique philosophy of "playing life as a game" and demonstrates how she uses cutting-edge AI tools to streamline her creative process—from generating book illustrations and brainstorming chapter outlin...

In this episode, Becky sits down with BAIPA member and author Carolyn C.J. Jones to discuss her transformative journey through writing, publishing, and personal healing. Carolyn shares the fascinating origin of her pen name and dives into the creative process behind her books: the poetic imagery of Opening the Gates of the Heart, the life-changing lessons in The Art of Forgiveness, and her recent...

In this episode, we sit down with Karin Fisher-Golton, a multi-talented children's book author and specialized editor, to explore the unique landscape of independent publishing for young readers. Karin shares her fascinating journey from using crowdfunding to launch her board book, My Amazing Day, to diving deep into historical research for her time-travel novel, The Clock and the Boulder. We disc...

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, host Judy M. Baker sits down with Dan Miller, famously known as "The Copyright Detective," to navigate the complex and rapidly changing landscape of intellectual property in the era of Artificial Intelligence. As AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT continue to evolve, independent authors face new challenges: How much can you use AI before you lose your copyr...

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, host Mike Van Horn talks with Patricia Sullivan, author of Overland Before the Hippie Trail: Kathmandu and Beyond, With a Van, a Man and No Plan. Patricia shares the remarkable true story of a two-year journey she and her husband took in 1965, driving a VW van from Europe through the Middle East and Asia all the way to Nepal and beyond. Patricia discusses...

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, host Becky Parker Geist chats with Michelle St. Romain, author of the debut novel, "Song of Belonging." Michelle shares her writing journey, the inspiration behind her literary fiction/magical realism novel set in French Louisiana, and the importance of community in independent publishing. Discover how a childhood memory sparked a story of family, mystery...

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, host Judy Ann Baker sits down with poet and creative practitioner Susan Kirsch to explore an unconventional path to creativity, mindfulness, and spiritual reflection. Susan shares how her unique process—combining intuitive coloring with short-form “praise poems”—helps quiet the critical mind and unlock authentic expression. The conversation dives into her...

In this episode, host Becky Parker Geist sits down with indie author John Byrne Barry for an engaging conversation about the realities of independent publishing, creative persistence, and the evolving journey of a small, indie writer. John shares how he transitioned from a lifelong background in nonfiction and professional writing into crafting mystery novels with substance—what he calls “page-tur...

In this episode co-host Mike Van Horn turns the spotlight on co-host Judy Baker—author and branding strategist— as she steps into the guest seat. Judy shares her journey from supporting writers as a marketing and branding expert to embracing her own creative voice through nonfiction, memoir, poetry, and magical realism. Listeners will gain insight into Judy’s client process, including her “book bu...

Join us on this episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of Becky Parker Geist, President of the Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA). From writing her first "book" at age six to leading a thriving organization for indie authors, Becky shares her path through the ever-evolving world of independent publishing. Discover Becky's early love for writing, her experience in audiobook...

In this episode of Indie Authors Tell All, Becky Parker Geist interviews co-host Mike Van Horn about his journey as an indie author in multiple genres. Join us as we delve into the multifaceted world of independent publishing as Mike shares his experiences and challenges in self-publishing, including the strategic use of pen names and maintaining distinct author platforms. Discover how Mike balanc...

Welcome to Indie Authors Tell All, where authors take the mic. Every other week, we chat with Bay Area Independent Publishers Association (BAIPA) members and those who help us publish and sell our books. We dig into the challenges and successes of independent publishing—writing, publishing, and promoting—from the people making it happen. We're a community that can help you along this path, avoidin...